Today we’d like to introduce you to Corinna Schutz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve fallen in love three times in my life. Like most, the first one happened in high school. But, unlike most, it wasn’t with the quarterback— it was with a camera. From the moment I watched my first photo develop in the darkroom, I was hopelessly hooked on photography.
That love led me to amazing opportunities across the world— the Brooks Institute of Photography, high-end portrait studios, digital teaching and more. I’ve worked hand-in-hand with world-renowned photographers on sets with some of the biggest names in the business— from Jennifer Lopez and Hugh Jackman to Beyonce´ and Halle Berry.
While my passion for photography never wavered, it did have to make room when I fell deeply in love with my husband and stepdaughter in 2010. Because my husband and I are both photographers, we have navigated the high-stress environment of multi-million dollar photo shoots together. We traveled the world, working everywhere from Australia to Prague, and spent any spare moments with our wonderful family — I thought I had it all.
… But then came love number three, a love that changed me completely, inside and out — our daughter Sarine. From the moment she was born, I knew I would abandon those 14-hour, fast-paced days for something different. I couldn’t abandon photography altogether, though. (They say you never forget your first love, right?) As my daughter grew, I picked up my camera again, ready to see where this creative outlet could take me next. But, it brought me back to Sarine.
I dropped the hustle to focus on the heart, and here I am now. Owner of Corinna Schutz Photography in Santa Clarita, CA, photographing newborn, maternity and family sessions.
While I look back at my former photography career with pride, I now know that the images that matter most aren’t on billboards in downtown L.A. or in the pages of a glossy magazine— they’re the ones of your family that you hang above the fireplace. They’re photos that capture the sweet spots of life that flash past you at lightning speed— the ones you swear you’ll always remember but couldn’t possibly etch in your mind completely.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think anyone who owns and operates their own business has their struggles. That’s something you have to just accept going into “entrepreneurship” if you want to be successful, you just can’t give up. I have definitely struggled with the “business” side. I am an artist and I ALWAYS want that to come first. I have learned so much over the years that now the business side has become fun. But yea, it was a struggle there for a while.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Corinna Schutz Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in maternity, newborn and family portraiture. I am definitely known for my maternity and posed style newborn portraiture.
I am really proud of the experience I strive to give to my clients. I don’t just want put them in a gown and take beautiful portraits of them, or pose their baby and send off their web-gallery a couple of weeks later….. I want to provide them with an experience they will never forget AND an experience that truly makes us friends. Of course, I provide the gowns, the props, the accessories, hair, and make-up, a beautiful studio etc… but sometimes what I feel is even more valuable is the connection I get to make with moms and families. As we all know “it takes a village to raise a child” and I really strive to be part of each and every one of my client’s village.
I think what sets me apart from others in this same industry is that photography is something that has been one of the biggest parts of my life since I was 15. I have never wavered or done anything else EVER. I literally have no other skills besides being a photographer and mother. My life really has come full circle with being able to combine two of my loves together in a job, and that makes me feel complete. While many people in this business are mom-turned-photographer, I’m photographer-turned-mom. With Corinna Schutz Photography, you get both— the nurturing mother and seasoned photographer.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I definitely have big plans, but I’m not sure I want to disclose that info just yet. ; )
Contact Info:
- Address: 23542 Lyons Ave #211
Santa Clarita, CA 91321 - Website: www.corinnaschutz.com
- Phone: 661-212-0831
- Email: corinna@corinnaschutz.com
Image Credit:
Becca Rillo
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